防微杜渐
防微杜渐 (fáng wēi dù jiàn) literally means “prevent small stop gradual” and expresses “stop problems before they grow”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: fang wei du jian, fang wei du jian,防微杜渐 meaning, 防微杜渐 in english
Stop problems before they grow
Pronunciation: fáng wēi dù jiàn Literal meaning: Prevent small stop gradual
Origin & Usage
To guard against (防) the minute (微) and block (杜) the gradual (渐). The History of the Later Han records the argument in a memorial urging an emperor to deal with a rising family before it was too large to touch: what is small can still be stopped, and what has been allowed to develop cannot. Both halves name a stage rather than a thing, which is what makes the phrase useful. It is standard in Chinese writing about corruption, maintenance and public health.
Examples
English: "The company implemented strict compliance measures to prevent potential violations"
Chinese: 公司实施了严格的合规措施,以防微杜渐
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
讳疾忌医
huì jí jì yī
Hiding problems worsens them
Learn more →
同病相怜
tóng bìng xiāng lián
Sympathize with those sharing similar troubles
Learn more →
坦坦荡荡
tǎn tǎn dàng dàng
Live openly with clear conscience
Learn more →
循序渐进
xún xù jiàn jìn
Progress step by step
Learn more →
防患未然
fáng huàn wèi rán
Prepare in advance
Learn more →
见微知著
jiàn wēi zhī zhù
Foresee big from small signs
Learn more →
顺藤摸瓜
shùn téng mō guā
Follow clues to solution
Learn more →
安步当车
ān bù dàng chē
Choose simpler pleasures over status displays
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 防微杜渐 mean in English?
防微杜渐 (fáng wēi dù jiàn) literally translates to “Prevent small stop gradual” and is used to express “Stop problems before they grow”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 防微杜渐 used?
Situation: The company implemented strict compliance measures to prevent potential violations
What is the pinyin for 防微杜渐?
The pinyin pronunciation for 防微杜渐 is “fáng wēi dù jiàn”.
Curated Lists Featuring 防微杜渐
8 Chinese Idioms About Health & Wellness (With Meanings)
Beneficial Chinese idioms about health, healing, and physical wellbeing - ancient wisdom for modern wellness.
10 Chinese Idioms for Doctors & Medical Professionals
Meaningful Chinese idioms about healing, medicine, and the noble art of saving lives.